Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Apple Cinnamon Granola, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free, Vegan

I love granola. I’m so happy that granola can easily be made gluten free—and refined sugar free. It makes for a great snack. Even when you just need to grab a handful and go. But it also makes for a great breakfast. I love it in a bowl with almond milk and some more fruit as well as with a little Greek yogurt, more fresh fruit and a drizzle of raw honey. I almost always have some made and ready to eat at any time. As I type this, I’m almost out of this yummy Apple Cinnamon Granola and need to make more. Some Gluten Free Oats were on sale recently, so I have plenty in stock. I love making all kinds and flavors of granola. What is your favorite?Apple Cinnamon Granola, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free, by Katrina, Baking and Boys!4 cups gluten free old fashioned oats***1/4 cup ground flax meal1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds1 cup chopped pecans1/2 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/4 cup coconut oil1/4 cup coconut sugar1/3 cup unsweetened, natural applesauce1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract1 cup dried apple pieces, tossed in a little cinnamon (optional)Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine the oats, flax meal, sunflower seeds, pecans, salt and cinnamon. Stir together. In a medium sized microwaveable bowl, combine the coconut oil and coconut sugar. Microwave for 30 seconds. Whisk to combine. Add the applesauce and vanilla and whisk together. Stir the wet ingredients into the big bowl of dry ingredients and stir until all is moistened. Pour the mixture out onto a parchment or Silpat lined baking sheet. Spread evenly. Bake for 22-25 minutes, until golden brown. Let granola sit untouched on baking sheet on wire rack until cooled, this helps the pieces stick together in bigger clumps if you like it chunky. Stirring right after if comes out of the oven makes for separated pieces (which is still good!). Once pieces are broken up spread the dried apple pieces around and toss evenly. Store in an airtight container. ***Don’t want to or need to worry about gluten free, just use regular oats, this works both ways!Hmm, what kind should I make next? Any ideas on flavors yet unseen? I need more granola and I need it right now.